By Kayode John
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has confirmed that Inter Milan were genuinely interested in him last summer and would have been a dream if the move had materialised.
Okoye has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Italian Serie A since joining Udinese in 2023.
His impressive performances, which were key to the club escaping relegation last season, had put him on the radar of top clubs, including champions Inter. He instead signed a four-year contract extension that will keep him at the Stadio Friuli until 2028.
“The interest from Inter was concrete, but Udinese were asking for €15m to buy me,” he told Transfermarkt according to Football Italia.
“It would’ve been a dream, but I don’t regret how things went. I am happy to still be at this club, to be the Number 1 here. The situation could repeat itself if I keep working hard and maintain constant performances.
“I want to stay in Italy, this is a choice I have made. I like this land, the people in it and the atmosphere. I am happy in Udine and want to take the club high with as many points as possible.”
The 25-year-old Nigeria International also spoke about his future after his new deal.
“I don’t see myself being elsewhere in January, as my focus is all on Udinese. I want to end the season here and continue working with Runjaic, who is a very important coach for me,” Okoye said.
The former Watford goalkeeper explained working with Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro, who steered Udinese from going down to Serie B last season as interim coach.
“He is a special person, like a big brother or a cousin. I’d only ever seen him on TV or in a Play Station game, but he came up, hugged me and said: ‘I am your new coach’,” Okoye stated.
“He approached us like the head of the family, cancelling out the pressure we had around us at that moment. Cannavaro will have success as a coach, 100 per cent.”
Okoye is currently in the Super Eagles camp in Uyo for Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying games against Libya.
